Ambitious Installation Processes Up To 125 Thousand Tons Of Used Batteries Per Year And Promises To Reduce Its Carbon Footprint To 10 Kg Of CO₂ Per kWh By 2030!
A revolution in battery recycling! The Swiss multinational ABB, a renowned specialist in automation, is standing out at the forefront of sustainability by providing electrical systems for the world’s largest battery recycling plant. This impressive initiative is a milestone in the search for sustainable solutions to the growing demand for high-energy-density batteries. Northvolt, a Swedish energy company, is leading this milestone in the sector, and ABB plays a crucial role in this journey.
Significant Milestone In The Search For Sustainability And Reducing The Carbon Footprint.
The collaboration between ABB and Northvolt is a success story dating back to 2017. Today, ABB is providing cubicle assemblies and electrical drivers for Northvolt’s battery recycling plant in Skellefteå, Sweden. This plant is not only the largest of its kind ever built but also represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
The rising demand for high-energy-density batteries, primarily driven by the growth of electric vehicle sales worldwide, presents significant challenges regarding the availability of essential raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Battery recycling emerges as a vital solution to ensure sustainable access to these precious minerals.
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The Greenest Batteries On The Planet
Northvolt’s battery recycling plant, nicknamed “Revolt Ett”, is set to start operations in 2023. With the capacity to process up to 125 thousand tons of used batteries per year, this ambitious facility will play a key role in Northvolt’s sustainability strategy. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint to an impressive 10 kg of CO₂ per kWh by 2030, well below the current industry average of 98 kg CO₂ per kWh.
As the automotive and industrial industries increasingly turn to high-energy-density solutions, the demand for batteries continues to grow exponentially. The World Economic Forum estimates that this demand will increase 14 times by 2030, reflecting the rapid advancement of electric vehicles and the need for reliable and efficient energy storage. This is where battery recycling comes in.
ABB, with its vast experience in automation, has identified a strategic opportunity by engaging in this pioneering battery recycling project. It provides essential electrical systems for Northvolt’s plant, ensuring an efficient and sustainable process.
Strategic Collaboration Aims To Reduce Dependence On Finite Raw Materials And Contribute To Reducing Carbon Emissions
The commercial relationship between ABB and Northvolt, which has been ongoing since 2017, has evolved into a strategic collaboration addressing crucial sustainability and emissions reduction issues. ABB Technology Ventures (ATV), ABB’s venture capital unit, also holds stakes in Northvolt, reinforcing the company’s commitment to this long-term partnership.
The collaboration aims to reduce dependence on finite raw materials and contribute to lowering carbon emissions throughout the battery lifecycle. ABB not only provides electrical systems but also plays a key role in creating innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact.
The importance of battery recycling cannot be underestimated. Northvolt’s recycling plant will not only help meet the growing demand for essential minerals but also contribute to creating greener and more sustainable batteries. Emma Nehrenheim, Northvolt’s environmental director, emphasizes the company’s mission to produce “the greenest batteries in the world.”
ABB’s investment in this strategic initiative reflects not only the growing demand for high-energy-density batteries but also the urgency of addressing global environmental concerns. As more industries and consumers turn to clean energy solutions, battery recycling becomes a vital piece of the sustainability puzzle.

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